Taylor University - Ilium / Gem Yearbook (Upland, IN)

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Former basketball star, senior Randy Aalbretsge turned to the gridiron and promptly led the conference in punting with an average of 37.6 yards per game. Taylor.s running game was led by freshman power runner Jeff Putman and sophomore Randy Walchle. Putman rushed for 545 yards, a 4.8 average and honorable mention on the All-Confer- ence team. Also gaining acclaim were junior de- fensive end Miguel Gomez (second team All-Conference) and sophomore defen- sive middle guard Dennis Hanson (hon- orable mention All District) Senior strong man Paul Nitz. an All- Conference performer at defensive end last year, was bypassed this year. Nitz. in addition to playing football and taking a full load of classes, held a job with noc- turnal hours which doubtless stifled his potentiality. Senior guard Russ Hobbs and safety Rich Minnich both will be missed by next year team. What Hobbs lacked in size he more than made up for with quickness and determination. Minnich made an excellent switch from running back to safety. Jobv William and Rich Minnich leap and strain to prevent a pass completion. Bill Martin and Steve Offii close in for the kil Reserve f aA their form as Mark Day intercepts and Sroll Mchelh and Gary Ottoson (leTt) lead interferenc

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Trojans are number one passing team in HBCC n 9 A ' ■ . 9«««n j| All-Conference receiver Mike Rich catches a touchdown pass from Quarterback Rod Shafer. i ; li i vji Executing the triple option with great deception, quarterback Rod Shafer rated ninth in the nation in total offense with 1746 yards. His 14 touchdown passes set a new HBCC record. He was voted .start- ing quarterback on the HB All-Confer- ence team and NAIA District 21 team. Shafer. an excellent runner, often scrambled to give his trio of elusive re- ceivers time to break into the open. Ju- nior Mike Rich ' s uncanny ability to leap high above a crowd of players and stab a pass out of the clutches of two or three defenders left many a TU spectator amazed and breathless. His 37 receptions for 610 yards and 6 touchdowns were tops in the conference and gained him first team status on the All-Conference and NAIA District 21 teams. Senior wide receiver Jim Brown flashed blazing speed to burn many de- fenders for long bombs. His 22 recep- tions and 5 touchdowns gained him hon- orable mention on both All-Conference and District 21 teams. Junior tight end Jim Norris also gained All-Conference status with his 24 receptions and hard- nosed blocking. Also having outstanding seasons were seniors Steve Ziiumerman. Eric Turner. Wade Thompson, and Montie Gardner. Roving monster man Steve Zimmer- man was selected first team All-Confer- ence and NAIA District 21 for his aggres- sive tackling and ball hawking abilities. Montie Gardner was also cited All-Con- ference and All District acclaim for his consistent and heads-up play at center. Kicker Eric Turner had an excellent season as he led the Trojans in scoring with 41 points. He split the uprights for 23 of 23 extra points, giving him 30 straight over tw o seasons and a three year total of 51 of 54. He added six of eight field goals this season to assure him of first team status All-Conference and All District. Offensive tackle Wade Thompson, at 64 and 235 pounds, was a major force behind Taylors running game and strong pass blocking. His ability to open gaping holes in opponents defensive lines gained him All-Conference and All District acclaim. mi Jik Sure-handed Mike Rich leaps above two defenders to haul in another lonf; pass.

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Intramural football provides tension outlet Quarterback Randy Clarkson of Third Morris Brotherhood fires a pass behind the strong protection of team- mates while fellow students give encouragement. Taylor University provides an out- standing intramural program. Setting up supervised activities in such sports as football, soccer, basketball, soflball, and wrestling, the program allows for student release of pent-up frustration.s on the ath- letic field. The spirit of competition is fierce and the play is often for keeps. Strong ties of unity are developed and a sense of teamwork unfolds as teams vie for a league championship. Thus Taylor strives to provide education in the realm of the physical as well as the mental, so- cial, and spiritual. Randy Clarkson scrambles out of his pocket. (Left) A punt returner heads up field.